Picking the RIGHT dehydrator???

[puroRAW]

hello from nc

i recently have changed my lifestyle when it comes to nutrition and realize that a dehydrator is a must in my kitchen.

i have done some research and am looking to buy a dehydrator that is reliable and doesnt have harmful effects (plastic trays being heated up and releasing into the foods). i am leaning towards the EXCALIBUR 3926T with the timer.

does anyone have this particular model and if so, are there any pros or cons i should know about it (coming from first hand experienced forum goers on here!) before i purchase it? i believe i can get one for about $150 but i want to be sure that there are no surprises when i get it. i am new to dehydrating and i am about 3weeks into my 40% raw diet (approx). i have heard about the thermometer being a little off in the dehydrator?

i cant wait to see how the fruit turns out.


please feel free to give me all open opinions! thanks again :excited:

[k8sl8]

The dehydrator is a good one. I personally don't care if there is a timer or not as the timing of things NEVER seems to be the same - and hours don't seem to matter much as far as being 'over done'.

As for the jerky, you may be 40% RAW, but this is a raw vegan forum... That being said, your dehydrator will come with a book of recipes. Also many available on line.

[puroRAW]

As for the jerky, you may be 40% RAW, but this is a raw vegan forum...

can i still be a part of this forum even though i eat meat?

i am still open to new ideas on here :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

This is a raw vegan forum. We don't care what you choose to eat but you cannot discuss eating animal products on this forum.

Thanks,
Admin

[speltrong]

I just bought that exact dehydrator, switching from a Nesco one. The Excalibur one is far better than the Nesco. It seems to me that the Excalibur one heats up more than the Nesco did, but since I only set it at 95 max, I doubt it's getting hot enough to make the food not raw. I really like everything about the Excalibur. The only very slight drawbacks I can think of are that it's quite a bit larger than the Nesco, and I do wish they'd put hinges on the door instead of having to take the whole door off. I have been very pleased with everything I've dehydrated inside the Exalibur, so I think you'll be fine to purchase that model. Keep in mind that you'll want the sheets that come with it... they have some specials on their website that include them.

[puroRAW]

thanks speltrong. i think im gonna act on that

[cynthea]

Ebay has a few of these listed as commercial dehydrators- they look good, but I cannot find company on the internet. Here is some of the info:
LISTED AS : New Digital Large 10 Tray Food Jerky Fruit Dehydrator

New MTN kitchenwareTM Commercial 10 Tray Vegetable /fruit/Jerky Dehydrator
800W Powerful Motor!! Most Powerful dehydrator Motor on the Market !!!
MTN Commercial Grade Vegi/Fruit/Jerky Dehydrator
Commercial Grade Dehydrator
Adjustable Thermostat (85º-155º),
Heavy-Duty Fan
Dehydrated Food can keep longer and lighter to carry around
Each tray receives its own air
All trays are made of a durable polycarbonate
Easy to clean up
Very fast drying times (no tray rotation needed)
Horizontal drying provides even drying, eliminating tray rotations.
Square design increases drying area "25%" with no holes in center of tray.
Complete drying system in rear. (includes thermostat and fan)
Dehydrator Size: 20" x 19" x 15"
Food Tray Size: 14" x 12.5"

I am curious if anyone has any experience or knows anyone that has this one. I have never seen it mentioned. It sounds good, has a metal frame, less expensive than the Excaliber and sounds like it has good features, but I have never used a dehydrator and don't know anyone who has one, so not sure of what to look for. I would most likely put in laundry room due to size and noise, so noise level not real important.

thanks
I am trying to restart a raw diet. I only tried for a short time a couple years ago, but didn't stick with it and now my health is requiring some major changes!